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Best Small SUVs in the UK for 2026

Ranked by UK list price, cheapest first — because value for money is the whole point of a small SUV.

Small SUVs are the default family car of modern Britain: the high driving position and chunky looks buyers love, in a footprint that still fits a supermarket car park. But the class is huge now, stretching from budget-friendly runabouts to premium-badged mini luxury cars — so value for money matters more than ever.

Our ranking below is refreshingly simple: we take every small SUV in the DrivePedia database costing up to £35,000 and rank them cheapest first. The prices, specifications and pros and cons shown are real data from our reviews, so you can see exactly why each car sits where it does — and click through for the full verdict.

#1

Dacia Spring 2024

£14,995
- Power: 45 hp (Electric 45) / 65 hp (Electric 65)
- Boot: 308 litres (1,004 litres seats folded); optional 35-litre frunk
Why it ranks: The cheapest new electric car in Britain by a huge margin

Full review →
#2

Land Rover Defender 110 1990

£17,500
- Power: 107 bhp @ 4,000 rpm
- 0–60 mph: 17.8 sec (approx.; factory claim)
Why it ranks: The 200Tdi engine is regarded as one of the toughest diesels Land Rover ever built

Full review →
#3

Dacia Duster 2024

£18,745
- Power: 140PS
- 0–60 mph: 10.1 seconds
- Economy: 51.4 mpg (WLTP)
- Boot: 472 litres
Why it ranks: Unbeatable value u2014 SUV for supermini money

Full review →
#4

Nissan Juke 2024

£21,495
- Power: 143 PS
- 0–60 mph: 10.1 seconds
- Economy: 57.6 mpg (WLTP combined)
- Boot: 354 litres
Why it ranks: Genuinely frugal hybrid — over 50mpg achievable in town

Full review →
#5

Kia Stonic 2024

£21,695
- Power: 98 bhp (118 bhp with 48V MHEV on GT-Line and above)
- Boot: 352 litres (1,155 litres seats folded)
Why it ranks: Exceptional value — from £21,695 it undercuts the Nissan Juke, Renault Captur and Ford Puma

Full review →
#6

MG ZS 2024

£21,995
- Power: 197 PS (145 kW)
- 0–60 mph: 8.7 seconds
- Economy: 64.2 mpg (WLTP combined)
- Boot: 443 litres
Why it ranks: Huge equipment list for the money undercuts every rival

Full review →
#7

Renault Captur 2024

£21,995
- Power: 145PS
- 0–60 mph: 10.6 seconds
- Economy: 60.1 mpg (WLTP)
- Boot: 422 litres
Why it ranks: Outstanding hybrid fuel economy (60mpg+)

Full review →
#8

Vauxhall Frontera 2025

£23,495
- Power: 113 hp (Electric)
- Boot: 460 litres (1,600 litres seats folded)
Why it ranks: The Electric's £23,495 launch price was superb value

Full review →

Best Small SUVs FAQs

What is the cheapest small SUV to buy in the UK?

Prices move with facelifts and offers, but our ranking above is ordered cheapest first using current UK list prices, so the car at number one is the most affordable small SUV in our database right now.

Are small SUVs expensive to run?

Generally not: most use small turbocharged petrol engines or hybrid powertrains returning 40–55 mpg, and insurance groups are modest. Check the fuel economy figure on each car’s review page before you decide.

Small SUV or hatchback — which is better?

A small SUV gives you a higher driving position and easier child-seat access; a hatchback of the same price is usually cheaper to run and more fun to drive. Our Smart Car Finder can help you choose.

Rankings use live DrivePedia review data and UK list prices. Also try our Smart Car Finder and True Cost calculator.

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